Germany: Deutsche Bahn Train Drivers Strike Again

French rail workers are not the only “grumblers,” “obstructers of traffic,” or “people who prevent one from getting to work.” The train drivers belonging to the GDL trade union and working for the Deutsche Bahn began a five-day strike on Nov. 5.

The strike promises to be the longest in twenty years. The strike for higher wages and a shorter work week has been called at a time when two million visitors are expected in the German capital on Nov. 9 to celebrate the Nov. 9, 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall.

Using the conflict with another trade union at the Deutche Bahn, not only the bosses’ milieu, but also the Social-Democratic Party (SPD) are criticizing the GDL. The German populist daily Bild has even called the strikers “crazy”. The German rail workers have downed tools twice in the past few weeks.